Pinewood Derby Schedule
8:30 - 8:45 Car check-in, once you check in your car, it can no longer be modified.
9:00 - 12:00 Racing begins, Typically we start with the youngest Den so they can leave when they like.
9:00 - 12:00 Racing begins, Typically we start with the youngest Den so they can leave when they like.
Pinewood Derby Racing
Once a car has been registered and checked in, it will be “impounded” to the display tables and “Pit Row”, ready for racing. Once the cars are on the display tables, they will be off-limits to handling or touching. We apologize for this and we will be steadfast enforcing this to insure that no cars get broken or damaged prior to race time.
With regard to the racing, we use electronic timing equipment. All participants will race in (4) heats, competing with their fellow Den members. The lowest sum of the (4) times per racer will determine 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place standings within the Den. Please note a 1st place finish in one or two of the four heats doesn’t necessarily mean a 1st place trophy; it will be the lowest times (of the four heats raced) recorded that will determine the winners.
Open Class is for parents and siblings who would like to race. Entries must meet the general qualification parameters of the derby event listed below. If any of the parameters are exceeded, the car will be entered into the Outlaw Class.
Outlaw Class entries cannot exceed 1 LB. in weight, maximum width shall be 2-3/4", so that it fits the track, maximum length should not exceed 10", so that it doesn't hit the track on the incline and must be gravity driven. If there are any questionable features of the car where safety is a concern, the car will not be allowed to race.
Lubrication of cars with graphite will be done outside the building. We regret that we cannot allow any graphite lubrication inside the building as it makes a terrible mess. We recommend that you make any necessary arrangements to lubricate your car prior to arriving.
Trophies for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place trophies will be given within each Den and the OPEN and Outlaw classes.
Awards for best Workmanship and Best Design trophies will be given within each Den and the OPEN class.
With regard to the racing, we use electronic timing equipment. All participants will race in (4) heats, competing with their fellow Den members. The lowest sum of the (4) times per racer will determine 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place standings within the Den. Please note a 1st place finish in one or two of the four heats doesn’t necessarily mean a 1st place trophy; it will be the lowest times (of the four heats raced) recorded that will determine the winners.
Open Class is for parents and siblings who would like to race. Entries must meet the general qualification parameters of the derby event listed below. If any of the parameters are exceeded, the car will be entered into the Outlaw Class.
Outlaw Class entries cannot exceed 1 LB. in weight, maximum width shall be 2-3/4", so that it fits the track, maximum length should not exceed 10", so that it doesn't hit the track on the incline and must be gravity driven. If there are any questionable features of the car where safety is a concern, the car will not be allowed to race.
Lubrication of cars with graphite will be done outside the building. We regret that we cannot allow any graphite lubrication inside the building as it makes a terrible mess. We recommend that you make any necessary arrangements to lubricate your car prior to arriving.
Trophies for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd Place trophies will be given within each Den and the OPEN and Outlaw classes.
Awards for best Workmanship and Best Design trophies will be given within each Den and the OPEN class.
Pinewood Derby Car Regulations
- THE BODY IN THE OFFICIAL GRAND PRIX PINEWOOD DERBY KIT (KIT NO. 17006) MUST BE USED.
- Cars cannot exceed the minimum or maximum measurements:
Length = 7” maximum
Overall width = 2-3/4” maximum
Width between the wheels = 1-3/4”
Bottom Clearance = 3/8”
Weight = 5 OZ. Maximum
The wheelbase of 4 3/8" must be maintained (Distance from front to rear axle) - Any beveling, tapering, rounding, thinning, or any other alteration of the kit’s wheels is not allowed. Any alteration of the kit’s axles for the sake of enhancing performance is not allowed. You must use the axles (nails) from the kit.
- The entire car must be behind the starting line. No part of the car can hang over the starting pin. The pins make contact with the center of the front of the car.
- Only graphite is permitted as an axle lubricant. Lubrication must be applied prior to registration, and outside.
- Once cars are registered, they will be impounded and off limits until after races are over. We regret that we cannot make any exceptions to this rule.
- Each car will race in (4) heats. 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place finishes will be determined by the lowest sum of (4) heat times.
- Everyone shall display good sportsmanship and have fun!